Description
Delight in these tender and flaky Cranberry Orange Scones, bursting with fresh cranberries and bright citrus zest. Perfectly golden and drizzled with a sweet orange glaze, these scones make an ideal breakfast or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the scones won’t stick and bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt, creating an even base for the dough.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and cut it into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating that flaky texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract. This mixture will add moisture and flavor.
- Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to preserve the scones’ tenderness.
- Add Cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries, distributing them evenly without toughening the dough.
- Shape the Scones: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch-thick disc. Cut it into 8 wedges and position them on the prepared baking sheet with space in between.
- Brush with Cream: Lightly brush the tops of each scone with additional heavy cream to enhance browning during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and drizzle-friendly.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled scones and serve with your favorite tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
Notes
- For extra zestiness, add a teaspoon more orange zest to the glaze.
- Use fresh cranberries for a tart punch or dried cranberries for a sweeter, chewy texture.
- Chill the dough briefly if it becomes too soft before baking to maintain shape.
- Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat slightly before serving to refresh flaky texture.
